Career in care - Georgina’s story

Georgina joined the Restart Scheme following a ten-year period of caring duties and time out of paid employment. Having recently resettled locally, she was motivated to rebuild her confidence, by securing employment, improving her financial position, and building independence.

The Restart Scheme tailors support by taking a personalised, one‑to‑one approach that reflects each participant’s needs, goals, and circumstances. Through individual coaching, support is adapted to address barriers, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to move towards sustainable employment.

At her initial appointment, Georgina met with her Employment Adviser, Luke, who outlined the range of support available. Together, they developed a tailored action plan with realistic goals to support her return to work. Luke worked with Georgina to develop a high‑quality CV highlighting her transferable skills, which she used in job club applications. With limited experience in care, Georgina was volunteering at a local charity shop to build her experience in retail and maintain routine.

Georgina enrolled in several in-house workshops and regularly attended job clubs and wellbeing support sessions, providing opportunities to engage with like‑minded participants in group settings and build confidence.

Georgina discussed ongoing wellbeing needs during her initial appointments, to which Luke suggested working with our Wellbeing team who could offer additional support. The wellbeing support helped Georgina to develop coping strategies, increase emotional stability, and strengthen her readiness for work, contributing to sustained readiness to work.

Like many participants, Georgina received financial support from the Restart Scheme to assist her transition from benefits into paid employment, including help with interview travel costs and vouchers for suitable work clothing.

After her third interview, Georgina was offered a job in a care home. Luke told us: “She described the interview as friendly and conversational, saying ‘it felt like the perfect fresh start.’

“We arranged a DBS check for Georgina, to avoid a delay in her start date, and she will start her role with 24 hours a week, allowing a gradual return to work, with opportunities for overtime and progression to full-time hours.

“Georgina’s journey shows real resilience and commitment. She engaged fully with the programme and truly earned this outcome.”